This week has been crazy.  This coming is crazier.  I’m leaving at 4am to shoot a session in Chicago — hours from now … and I’m still up editing photos.

I was editing photos late Friday evening when I thankfully glanced outside to see an awesome orange sky.  Troy asked if I wanted to go to the park and watch the storm roll in against this unbelievable sunset and opposite a double rainbow.  I almost said no.  I’m so busy.

But then I went.  And it was so amazing.  I need to remember to take the time.  To take in beautiful moments.  To keep shooting personal work alongside work for my clients.  To continue thinking like an artist first, and a wedding photographer second.

The night was unbelievable.  People lined up across the shore to watch it.  None of these photos are edited … they are straight out of my point and shoot camera.  I want to always remember to be amazed by this world.

Haley and Danny are beautiful, thoughtful, and so obviously & madly in love.  Their wedding took place at the rustic Coon’s Franklin Lodge … the perfect setting for the perfect day with the awesomely thought-out vintage details.  I loved all the table arrangements and the flowers by the talented Daffodil*Parker … the choice to have a Super 8mm videographer … and everything else … from Haley’s vintage accessories, to the stylish and varied bridesmaids’ dresses, and birdseed being tossed as the newly married couple drove off in a 1941 blue Lincoln.  Haley was a UW Singer back in her college days — so you can only imagine how incredible the ceremony music was.  I was blown-away and tearing-up.  But later, when Haley serenaded Danny at the reception … well, that was simply incredible.

Thank you Haley and Danny so much for letting me capture your gorgeous day!  I know you are still on your honeymoon and I hope it’s amazing.  Congratulations!

My friend Julie from Richmond, VA flew in to second shoot with me.  It was fun showing her around northern WI and Madison the following day.  I’ll post some behind-the-scenes shots from her soon :)

I’m heading out of town (again) and will be back late on Tuesday.  Just wanted to share a sneak peek of the beyond gorgeous Haley.  I shot her vintage-inspired wedding this past weekend and it was a delight.  See you soon with more images … Happy Monday :)

This wedding was THE BOMB.  Yes.  The rain scared me a bit, but it was not a problem at all.  The day, as Ryann described on her Facebook page yesterday, was PERFECT.  What made this day amazing?  Ryann & Tim, and their friends and family for sure.  But also location, location, location!  O’Brien Barn is simply phenomenal.  The fashion and details were completely thought-out and fabulous, to say the least.  Ryann is a talented graphic designer and illustrator, so she designed all the cool signage and paper things for the wedding.  The ceremony was emotional; the reception was laid-back and a blast (pig roasts are always a hit).  The rain was just another detail to tie it all together and make it the bomb :)

Ryann and Tim, I’m so glad we’ve met because of your wedding.  Thank you for letting me be there to capture it.  Congratulations!!!!

A quick shout-out to the vendors:  Dilemma Studio (invites/programs/signs/pint glass design & illustration), Exceptional Catering (pig roast!), O’Brien Barn, Carl’s Cakes, additional desserts by friends of the couple, Mueller DJ Service (music/deejeying), J.Crew (wedding party attire), make-up by Jaclyn Tyler Poeschl — a friend of the couple, hair by Aveda Institute.

Perfect weather, beautiful, and fun.  That’s how I’d describe Samantha and Aaron’s wedding at the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin.  The venue, in downtown Milwaukee, is old, Victorian and so gorgeous.  The getting ready area was large, with great light (yay), the ballroom had arching white ceilings, and every little area held something unique.  After a short and sweet ceremony, Sam, Aaron and I went outside with their wedding party for some photos … and this wedding party was a blast.  One of the groomsmen, Kevin, approached a local police officer and got him to pull the car up on the grass and handcuff Sam and Aaron together for a photo op!  I actually think the cop was really into modeling for the pic … he kept striking poses, haha.  Normally, I don’t go for the cheesy shots, but this was once in a lifetime, I kinda felt :)

They also had the biggest cupcake table I have ever seen, with over a half dozen varieties.  But I can’t forget their band … 5 Card Studs … who was seriously amazing and very entertaining.  They played really classy, fun music and got right in the crowd to interact.  They had everyone dancing right away — especially the grandmothers.  Loved it.  Could’ve taken photos of them all night.

Samantha and Aaron, I had a great time at your wedding.  You two are beautiful separate and together.  I hope you are having an amazing start to married life!  Here are a just a few from the day: